Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When providing dietary teaching for a school-age child with cystic fibrosis, what should the nurse recommend?

1. Offer high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day.

2. Decrease dietary fat intake to less than 10% of caloric intake.

3. Restrict calorie intake to 1,200 per day.

4. Give a multivitamin once weekly.

The correct answer is: Offer high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day.

The recommendation to offer high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day is essential for a school-age child with cystic fibrosis. This condition impacts the lungs and digestive system, leading to difficulty in absorbing nutrients and maintaining adequate nutritional status. Children with cystic fibrosis typically have increased energy and protein needs due to the extra strain on their bodies from coping with this chronic illness. High-protein meals and snacks support the child's growth and development, helping to counteract the malabsorption and nutrient losses associated with cystic fibrosis. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes, and supporting the immune system, making it a vital component of their diet. In contrast, decreasing dietary fat intake to less than 10% of caloric intake is not advisable since children with cystic fibrosis often need a higher fat intake to meet their energy requirements. Restricting calorie intake to 1,200 per day may not provide sufficient energy, as these children often require more calories due to their higher metabolic demands. Additionally, giving a multivitamin once weekly may not be adequate; children with cystic fibrosis generally require more frequent supplementation of vitamins, particularly fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, to address their unique nutrient absorption